The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #64433

Merce Gasco, PhD, JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc., Intrarea Mihai Eminescu, Nr.5, Sector 2, Bucharest, Romania, 40-21-210-2077, merce.gasco@jsi.ro

Historically, abortion in Romania has been widespread, as modern contraceptives were not available and/or affordable. In the 1990s, under health reform, Romania shifted from a vertical health system (with direct access to abortion services) to a primary health care system. Family health doctors (GPs) became gatekeepers for integrated services. In 2000-2001, a pilot project was initiated in 36 primary health care (PHC) sites, where GPs provided FP services, including free contraceptives. With the success of the pilot, the Romanian Ministry of Health and Family (MoHF) expanded the strategy countrywide, especially in rural areas. FP services offered by GPs are well accepted and are increasing the use of contraception. Two years after program launch, results are impressive. As of January 2003, more than 800 PHC settings are providing FP services and free contraceptives, with 74% of them located in rural areas. There has also been a continuous increase in the number of new acceptors of modern contraceptives: approximately 98,000 new couples in 2002. The FP services strategy was developed under the Romanian Family Health Initiative (RFHI), a partnership of the MoHF, USAID, and JSI, and supported by UNFPA. JSI provided the MoHF technical assistance to develop policy reforms that promoted integration of FP services; a management information system (MIS) for contraceptives supplies; and GP skills were upgraded toward quality/client-centered FP service provision. Increasing awareness of FP services and diminishing barriers to contraceptive use were ensured by communications campaigns and marketing of the newly available services under an identifiable logo.

Learning Objectives:

• By the end of the presentation, participants will understand the importance of integrating family planning (FP) services into primary health care systems and the general strategy of the Romanian Ministry of Health and Family (MoHF) in achieving it.

Keywords: Family Planning, Primary Care

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc.
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Handout (.ppt format, 1873.5 kb)